NSW Lockdown 2.0: Support for Individuals
With the Commonwealth government announcing changes to their support payments to individuals, we thought it would be a good idea to give an update on what’s on offer, eligibility and how to access it. The extended lockdown in NSW has resulted in a rethinking of the eligibility and amounts for the Covid-19 Disaster Payment, while the Pandemic Leave Disaster Payment remains unchanged. Here’s a summary of the key points for both types of payments.
Covid -19 Disaster Payment
This is a lump sum payment to help workers unable to earn income due to a COVID-19 lockdown, hotspot or period of restricted movement.
To be eligible you must meet all of the following criteria:
you're an Australian resident or hold an eligible working visa
you're 17 years or older
you don’t get an income support payment, the Pandemic Leave Disaster Payment (see below), a state or territory pandemic payment or a state small business payment for the same period
you live or work in a Commonwealth-declared COVID-19 hotspot, lockdown or period of restricted movement
you had paid employment and because of the health order you can’t attend work on or after day 8 of the health order
you’ve lost income on or after day 8 of the health order and don’t have any appropriate paid leave entitlements
you have liquid assets of less than $10,000 if you are claiming for a period prior to the third week of lockdown (otherwise no liquid assets test).
How much can you get?
How much you get depends on your situation:
First and second periods of lockdown:
If you’re eligible and you lost less than 20 hours’ work, you’ll get $325 for each relevant period of lockdown.
If you’re eligible and you lost 20 hours or more of work, you’ll get $500 for each relevant period of lockdown.
Third period and beyond (for Sydney currently from 15 July):
If you’re eligible and you lost less than 20 hours’ work, you’ll get $375 for each relevant period of lockdown.
If you’re eligible and you lost 20 hours or more of work, you’ll get $600 for each relevant period of lockdown.
The COVID-19 Disaster Payment is a taxable payment. This means you’ll need to include it in your income tax return.
How do I make a claim?
Australian residents need to claim online.
To claim online you need a myGov account linked to a Centrelink online account. If you don’t have a myGov account, you can create one.
Pandemic Leave Disaster Payment
Pandemic Leave Disaster Payment is a lump sum payment to help you during the 14 days you need to self-isolate, quarantine or care for someone. The Pandemic Leave Disaster Payment is for people who can't earn an income because they must self-isolate, quarantine or care for someone who has COVID-19.
You may be eligible if the relevant health authority in your state has told you to self-isolate or quarantine. They need to give you these directions for any of the following reasons:
you have coronavirus (COVID-19)
you’ve been in close contact with a person who has COVID-19
you care for a child, 16 years or under, who has COVID-19
you care for a child, 16 years or under, who’s been in close contact with a person who has COVID-19.
You may also be eligible if you're caring for someone who has COVID-19. You must also meet all of the following criteria:
you’re at least 17 years old and live in New South Wales
you’re an Australian resident or hold a visa that gives you the right to work in Australia
you're unable to go to work and earn an income
you have no appropriate leave entitlements, including pandemic sick leave, personal leave or leave to care for another person
your period of quarantine is after 17 September 2020.
If you’re a member of a couple, you can both claim this payment. You and your partner will need to complete separate claims.
How much can you get?
If you’re eligible you will be paid $1,500 for each 14 day period you’ve been told to self-isolate or quarantine, or are caring for someone with COVID-19.
How do you make a claim?
The easiest way to claim is over the phone.
You must make a new claim for each 14 day period. To claim, either:
call Services Australia on 180 22 66 to make your claim, or
print and complete the Claim for Pandemic Leave Disaster form relevant for your state and fax it to 1300 727 760. The form is available on the Services Australia website.
If you have any questions or need help in applying for financial assistance please contact us.
If you would like specific advice tailored to your circumstances please contact us.
Disclaimer: This is general information only and is not advice of any sort. No warranty or representation is provided by Accounting Heart Pty Ltd as to the accuracy, currency or completeness of the information contained in this blog. Readers of this blog should not act or refrain from acting in reliance upon any information contained herein and must always obtain appropriate taxation and / or other advice as may be appropriate having regard to their particular circumstances.